Friday, November 20, 2015

Patterns For Pirates

I recently discovered a new to me source for cute trendy patterns.  I had seen many people posting garments they made using Patterns For Pirates and it got me interested enough to check it out.  I ended up purchasing several of their patterns.  The first one I got was the Peg Legs.  This one is what really got me to check out their site.  On the Girl Charlee KnitFix group I kept seeing people posting picture of the many Peg Leg leggings they were making with their Girl Charlee knits. I just downloaded the PDF pattern yesterday and I haven't had a chance to sew up a pair yet.  I can't wait to try them.  I received a few fabrics in my latest KnitFix bag that are appropriate for this pattern.  So I have some ideas in my head.  And the pattern is very well written with several pictures of real people who actually sewed the pattern wearing their creations.  It is also a very quick sew so that is a plus in my book.

While the Peg Legs pattern is only $5.00 there is a code if you join the Facebook Group so it becomes even a better deal.  There are four options for length in the pattern, you have a choice of capri, bike, shorts, or ankle length.  And they give you many tips on how to choose the right fabric and how to sew the seams.  They really walk you through every step so even a very beginner should be able to sew up a pair of leggings to be proud of.  Another nice thing about this pattern is that it comes with so many sizes, from XXS to 3XL.  It would be easy to grade from one size to another if you happen to be between sizes.
   http://www.patternsforpirates.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/listing-pictures1-e1439870524253.jpg
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I also purchased a few other patterns The Men's Henley because I want to make my husband a few shirts.  A Cardigan Bundle that has several options for woman's cardigans and several options for children s cardigans.  I have been looking for a nice pattern for making a cardigan for my little grandson.  The last one I got was The Raglan Bundle .  Like the Peg Legs I was seeing a lot of cute Raglans being posted in the groups.  This one has many options for different collar and hoods.  And raglan's are a quick sew and you can color block the sleeves and front panels to get some fun looks.  I will be trying all of these patterns real soon.

Thursday, November 19, 2015

Denver Dress

I decided to make another project using my Denver Dress Tunic pattern from The Unbiased Collection .  The Denver is a pattern from Blank Slate Patterns.  From the pictures on the pattern this one was my least favorite of the collection, but after sewing it up I liked it much more than I expected.  I first made the tunic length with the plain neckline.  This time I made the dress with a cowl neckline.  I used a combination of three fabrics for this look.  The plaid fabric is from my October KnitFix.  The black denim look jersey I picked up at JoAnn Fabric at one of the 50% off clearance sales.  And the grey ribbed knit is from one of the bargain bundles I bought from Fabric Mart .  I thought all these fabrics coordinated nicely together and they were all of similar weight.

I love this pattern and I love the way my dress turned out.  And I will have many opportunities to wear this dress and others in the month of December.  My daughter has formed a team called Hermits to raise funds and awareness for human trafficking and abuse of women.  The campaign is called Dressember and we will be required to wear a dress every day of December.  It is one of the things that The International Justice Mission does to bring peace and Justice to those who are being mistreated around the world.  My daughter joined this group when she was in college.  The name Hermits came from her college days as well.  So the team started out with friends from college and a few of the moms are joining too.  It will be challenging to wear a dress every day especially at work.  But this more casual knit dress should work well for that.  I guess I will get some more tights or maybe sew myself up some leggings to wear with my dresses.